Val Kilmer's Star-Studded Farewell: Tributes from Josh Brolin, Josh Gad & More

Val Kilmer will always be remembered.

After the iconic actor passed away from pneumonia at the age of 65 on April 1st, there was a flood of heartfelt tributes from family members, colleagues, and past co-stars, all honoring his lasting impact.

On Instagram, Josh Brolin posted a photo with Val, and later in the day he wrote, “Goodbye, companion. I will surely miss you. You were intelligent, tough, courageous, and incredibly creative – like a sparkling firework. There’s not much left of those qualities.

I look forward to reuniting with you among the stars someday,” the Marvel actor said next. “Until that time, let’s cherish the wonderful moments we’ve shared and keep each other in our warm thoughts.

Josh Gad also honored the legendary film career of Val, encompassing timeless films like Top Gun, Batman Forever, Tombstone, and Heat.

On Instagram, Josh paid tribute to Val Kilmer with a picture from Top Gun, where he played Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky. He said goodbye and thanked Kilmer for shaping many of the films that were part of his childhood. Indeed, Kilmer was an icon.

In addition to other memorable characters he played, he also portrayed Jim Morrison in the 1991 biopic “The Doors”. Initially, Meg Ryan was cast opposite Val as Jim’s girlfriend Pamela Courson, but Jennifer Tilly recalled auditioning for the film as well.

In her post on X (previously Twitter), she described how they grouped together prospective Jims with prospective Pamelas. Since they were running late, the casting office was overflowing, and people were sitting not only inside but also on the porch, lawn, and driveway. Suddenly, a ’60s convertible with loud Doors music blasting pulled up abruptly. Out of it stepped a man – he had long, untamed hair, was barefoot, shirtless, and only wore tight leather pants.

Following all these years of Val bravely fighting illness and keeping his spirit high, receiving this heartbreaking news today feels incredibly heavy.

For a closer look at Val’s epic life, keep reading.

Jennifer went on to say, “Everyone in the room seemed to question, ‘Who’s this newcomer?’ The boldness of his arrival left us quite flustered. But then, as you might have guessed, it turned out to be Val Kilmer. From that moment forward, nobody else could compare.

After all, Val had a level of talent that made him unforgettable.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Michael Mann expressed his admiration for the late actor Val, stating, “During our work on Heat, I was continually amazed by the depth and versatility of Val’s acting abilities, the incredible strength and expression of his characters.

Following numerous years of Val bravely fighting illness and preserving his spirit,” Michael remarked, alluding to Val’s struggle against throat cancer, “it’s incredibly heartbreaking to hear this news.

For a closer look at Val’s epic life, keep reading.

2025-04-02 15:17

Val Kilmer’s Star-Studded Farewell: Tributes from Josh Brolin, Josh Gad & More

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